Category Archives: Cambro Featured Business of the Week

HG Sausageworks: Inspiration by Emeril

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HG_sausageworksLogoThe latest featured Cambro business of the week owes a bit of its inspiration to Emeril. Chef and Owner, Jered Greenwald, introduces us to HG Sausageworks (we’re guessing it’s not for vegetarians) from beautiful San Diego, California.

Let’s get started – tell us a bit about the inspiration to get into foodservice:

“Emeril. No really, I was watching the Food Network and he makes cooking approachable, fun and exciting. Then I got into a professional kitchen and began to learn about the dedication and passion and I just couldn’t get away from it. I was hooked!”

What does Jered love about Sausageworks?

“The ability to transform and elevate basic ingredients into something magical and that makes my customers can trust for quality ingredients and exceptional flavors. I love seeing their faces light up then grin from ear to ear.. .makes my day every time.”

HG_sausageworks Cambro Business of the WeekWhat’s the most interesting thing to happen to the business?

“Just starting the business was totally cool. I still feel fortunate to have been able to get this far and while some days feel like an uphill slog just to be able to get to this point has been an amazing experience.”

And the biggest business challenge Jered overcame?

“Just being able to go from hard-core hobbiest to selling my product and getting awesome reviews has been a wonderful experience, however, working with the local health department to clear all their hurdles and finding funding, it’s been a long road some days…”

What Cambro products help HG Sausageworks crank out these sausages?

“I almost exclusively use CamSquares for food storage as well as when I make certain foods such as pickles and krauts. When making my pickles, krauts and mustards I use the Rotation Labels so I know when the product was started so I make sure to use the right product first. I also use the poly boxes for brining corned beef and pastrami as well as mixing my ground meat and spices for sausages.”

We wish continued success to Jered and his growing business! As the featured foodservice business of the week, he will receive a storage container gift pack.

Links for HG Sausageworks:

Web | Facebook | Twitter

Do you have a foodservice business that you want the world to know about – nominate it – click here!

Every Island Needs a Country Store like Tilghman Island Country Store

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Tilghman Island Country StoreIf you find yourself in Maryland you should make your way down Tilghman Island Road and visit Tilghman Island Country Store. Owner and Partner, Patricia McGlannan shares her story of this “as local as you can get” island country store.

What inspired Patricia to get into foodservice?

“We bought a rural country market as a real estate investment. After seven years our tenant gave up their lease. Unable to sell or rent it in this economy we partnered with in laws and opened after a nine month renovation project! My sister in law runs the kitchen and I do the baking, our husbands help with everything!”

What does she love about her business?

“I love the vibe and quirkiness of our unique setting and how quickly we became an integral part of the community. We are located on a very rural island that is a traditional fishing village. There are three very distinct groups of people there – watermen, second home owners and tourists. Everyone comes to the store and it feels like we are hosting ‘the party’ every day.”

What’s been the most interesting/oddest/coolest thing to happen to the Tilghman Island Country Store?

Tilghman Island Country Store“So many weird things happen to us there it would be hard to choose. The same families have lived on this island for generations. Often people come to the island looking for their roots. Last week a woman showed up saying she was looking for information on a long dead uncle. We realized she was talking about one of our predecessors who is framed and hanging on the wall behind us.”

What has been the biggest business challenge Patricia’s family has had to overcome?

“We had many challenges. The first being that none of the business owners knew the first thing about this level of retail. We couldn’t even work the cash register the day before we opened. One of our other challenges was training the locals to shop with us, again. The store had been closed for nine months, so everyone had learned to shop elsewhere. The store had been dirty when we took over so we had to convince everyone that it was now ‘clean and affordable!”

Any Cambro products find their way to Tilghman Island to help out the Island Country Store?

“One of the first major purchases I (the baker) made was your tubs with fitting lids to cart muffins back and forth. We’ve also bought them to brine/soak the pork bellies we use to make our own bacon!”

We’ll take that answer to mean that the best bacon on Tilghman Island is made with a Cambro!

Thank you for sharing your story Patricia and we wish you and the rest of the family continued success with this very cool local business. As the featured foodservice business of the week, she will receive a storage container gift pack.

Links for Tilghman Island Country Store:

Facebook | Twitter

Do you have a foodservice business that you want the world to know about – nominate it – click here!

In Bozeman, Just A Taste Catering is Just Right

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Cambro Featured Foodservice Business of the Week: Just A Taste CateringDoes making french toast as a 6 year old lead to a catering career? If you’re Liz Bauer, the answer is yes. The Chef and Owner of Just A Taste Catering, our Foodservice Business of the Week, was destined for foodservice. “My mom has always been a chef,” and Liz has successfully followed those footsteps.

What does she love about this Bozeman, Montana based business?

“The freedom of creativity. Being the boss that actually listens to their staff. Having fun and making the clients pleased.”

What has been the most interesting thing to happen to Just A Taste?

“I have owned my business for 5 years, every year it has doubled. I never thought I would be one the most successful caterers in Bozeman, Montana!”

What has been the biggest business challenge Liz has overcome?

“Learning to let go… not be so controlling and trusting in my staff that they can do this.”

And what Cambro products does Liz rely upon to make her business successful?

“We use the front loading pan carriers. Seems we never have enough! We currently have about 10 of the large ones. We also use a lot of the food prep bins along with coffee cambros as well. Love your product!”

Liz certainly knows the tools a caterer needs! Thank you for sharing your story Liz and we wish you continued success. As the featured foodservice business of the week, she will receive a storage container gift pack.

Links for Just A Taste Catering:

Web | Facebook

Do you have a foodservice business that you want the world to know about – nominate it – click here!

Cambro Featured Foodservice Business of the Week: An Entire Academy!

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Cambro Foodservice Business of the Week: Christian Culinary Academy Chef IraWe head north to Oregon for this week’s Featured Foodservice Business and stop in at the Christian Culinary Academy. According to the President of the Academy, Ira Krizo, the best part of the business is “making people happy by serving good food.”

That is something that resonates with passionate foodservice operators the world over.

What is the most interesting/oddest/coolest thing to happen to Ira?

Let’s start by saying the baguettes at the Academy must be pretty good since he worked for “the most amazing boulangerie” and “Chef Roger Verge in Southern France.”

The biggest business challenge Ira overcame?

Starting the Christian Culinary Academy with all the details of facilities, dormitories, state board of education licensing and fundraising.

And of course, inquiring minds want to know what Cambro products are present at the Academy?

“Storage bins of all sizes, hot boxes & beverage dispensers. For the future we’re definitely interested in Camshelving too.”

Spoken like a true foodservice professional. Thank you Ira for sharing your story and as the featured foodservice business of the week, he will receive a storage container gift pack.

Links for Christian Culinary Academy:

Web | Facebook

The Right Chemistry at Jenny Wenny Cakes

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Jenny Wenny Cakes Cambro Business of the weekThis week’s Featured Foodservice Business is Jenny Wenny Cakes from beautiful San Diego, California! We’re guessing owner, Jenny Williams, may have had a hand in choosing that business name.

What inspired Jenny to get into foodservice and particularly the cake business?

“I love making beautiful things, and making people happy with yummy sweet treats, it paired well with my scientific background and my desire to nail tricky techniques.”

Oh, did we not mention that Jenny is a Medicinal Chemist with a science background? That should explain this cool design.

Jenny Wenny Cakes Cambro Business of the week

What does she love about her business?

“Seeing the smiles of customers, and knowing I’ve made people happy.”

The most interesting thing to happen to Jenny Wenny Cakes?

I’ve made wedding cakes and birthday cakes all over the world, including a giant ammonite and lost world cake!

The biggest business challenge Jenny overcame?

“Keeping the costs low but using the best ingredients is a constant battle.”

And we’re certainly interested in what a Cake expert and Medicinal Chemist thinks about Cambro products – which does she find useful in her business:

“Any of the storage products, I love the unbreakable dessert cups too!”

We wish Jenny continued success!

As the featured foodservice business of the week, Jenny will receive a storage container gift pack.

Links for Jenny Wenny Cakes:

Web | Facebook | Twitter

All BBQ is Great but There’s Only One GreatQ4U!

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We jump back in the world of BBQ this week as we head to Pennsylvania to visit GreatQ4U! Jim Knepper, Partner in this operation, shares his thoughts on great Q and his passion for foodservice.

WCambro Business of the Week: GreatQ4Uhat inspired Jim to get into foodservice?

“We are an off premise BBQ Caterer and are clearly focused on doing “Q” the way it is supposed to be done, low & slow over wood smoke! It was my love of Eastern N. Carolina Pulled Pork that inspired me to learn the traditional methods and techniques to do it right!”

What does he absolutely love about the business?

“I love interacting with customers and delivering an “experience” not just the food. Our “Q” smells, tastes and feels incredible and in the end…I always get to see smiles on our customer’s faces…that is what I love the most!”

The most interesting/coolest/oddest thing to happen at GreatQ4U!

“I think the coolest part of the business is the part that actually costs us money…not makes it…we are a founding member of Operation BBQ Relief! I went to Alabama on my own with our Big Smoker following the Tornadoes on 4/27/2011 and then to Joplin following the Tornado there…I got to witness the birth of OBR and then continued the effort here in Central PA following the devastating floods of Tropical Storm Lee….I’ve been a part of providing  150,000+ free BBQ meals for victims of disasters in the past 15 months and the COOLEST thing about it has been the power that a free bbq meal for neighbors from neighbors has!!!”

Biggest business challenge Jim had to overcome?

“We are still working our way back from a very difficult end of 2011. While in the middle of the final ‘busy’ BBQ Weekend of the year (Columbus Day) I was struck from the rear at a stop light while driving our primary tow vehicle. Between extensive damage to the vehicle and 3 tendons in my left shoulder our fourth quarter of last year and first quarter of this year were ROUGH! – We will survive and be stronger for it!”

We wish Jim a complete recovery so he can keep delivering that GreatQ and supporting those in need with Operation BBQ Relief!

Being a BBQ shop, we can assume that some Cambro food transporters may have found their way to GreatQ4U! – let’s see what Cambro products Jim has to help him out:

“All of them! We LOVE your products and have used your hot boxes at every OBR function that we’ve been at! Top notch stuff…all of it!”

If that didn’t get you excited about your next BBQ, nothing will! Congratulations on the success Jim and we are glad to be a part of your service with Operation BBQ Relief!

As the featured foodservice business of the week, Jim will receive a storage container gift pack.

Links for GreatQ4U!

Web | Facebook | Twitter

Farm to Table (at the Farm)

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Cambro Business of the Week: Taproot FarmsFarm to table is a phrase that is very popular now. This week’s Cambro Featured Foodservice Business, Taproot Farm, embodies that concept perfectly.

Christine Mittnacht, Owner/Chef/Farmer, introduces us to Taproot Farm in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

What inspired Christine to get into foodservice?

“My father bought a cookbook (I still have it) and said that he had decided to take up cooking as a hobby. Before an hour was up, I had found a recipe and was halfway through teaching myself the prep (I was 14 or so). He laughed and said ‘OK, you cook, I’ll go buy wine’ and my path was set!”

What does she absolutely love about her business?

“I love being able to teach clients/customers everything about what they are eating – how the animals and veggies were raised, harvested, prepped, and how to cook (or not!) the products.”

That’s certainly going beyond the recipe.

What’s the most interesting/coolest/oddest thing to happen at Taproot Farm?

“I love finding surprise babies. Mamas don’t always follow the plan :-) ”

Biggest business challenge Christine had to overcome?

Cambro Business of the Week: Taproot Farms“Buying this farm, in this economy, was rough. We had been about to buy a building in town to convert into a cafe but the SBA loan fell through at the last minute, but that gave me the I’ll-show-you guts to get a beginner farmer’s loan and buy the farm we live on – with a loan added to turn part of the garage into a prep kitchen and butcher space!!”

What Cambro products can be found around Taproot Farm?

“Cambro’s logo is everywhere here. I store feed, organize “parts” (livers, hearts, etc) when butchering, use containers for prepping demos at regional corporations as well as local companies, divide up bulk grain products, and more.”

We are glad to be a part of helping Christine and this great foodservice and farm business grow! Continued success Christine!

As the featured foodservice business of the week, Christine will receive a storage container gift pack.

Checkout Taproot Farm on Facebook.

Sunflower’s Creations: Cambro’s Featured Foodservice Business of the Week

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Cambro Business of the Week: Sunflower CreationsIt may be winter in British Columbia, Canada but cakes and cupcakes are sprouting at Sunflower’s Creations! The latest Cambro Foodservice Business of the Week was nominated by Annette Simpson, owner of Sunflower’s Creations.

What inspired Annette to get into foodservice?

“I’ve just always loved creating food and when the opportunity came up to try cake I went for it.”

What does she love about her business?

“The very first cake I made was a disaster, but the more I did the more I knew I loved it. From there it truly became a passion of mine. I love to see the look on my clients face when they get the cake, it makes all the ups and downs worthwhile :-) ”

The most interesting thing to happen to Sunflower’s Creations?

“The coolest thing that ever happened to me was being taken the LA this year and given a booth at the Teen Choice Gift Suites, where I handed out Cake Pops to Celebs including Kevin Sorbo and Mary Murphy.”

Biggest business challenge Annette had to overcome?

“Not giving up even when it didn’t seem like the business was going to go anywhere. There have been several times when I have thought of selling everything and all of a sudden I would get 4 orders, I would take that as a sign not to give up just yet :-) ”

What Cambro product could help Annette even more?

The Camsquares would be perfect for my butter creams and fillings. I could also see myself using some of the other products for storing pre-made flowers and gumpaste figures.

We are glad Annette kept going and we wish her and Sunflower’s Creations continued success!

As the featured foodservice business of the week, Annette will receive a storage container gift pack.

Links for Sunflower’s Creations

Facebook | Twitter | Website

Westside Grill: Cambro Featured Foodservice Business of the Week

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Westside Grill: Cambro Business of the weekIf we had to pick a side in Staunton, VA it’d have to be the West side – - as in the Westside Grill. This week’s Featured Foodservice Business is shared by Regina Morris, owner of this local eatery that serves “homestyle food at a homestyle restaurant.”

What inspired Regina to get into the ownership side of the foodservice business?

“Have worked in the foodservice since 1975 and decided I would like to work for myself.”

What does she love the most about her business?

The variety of food to work with, the recipes you come up with that your customers fall in love with and the people you meet on a daily basis.

From the oddest/coolest/most interesting thing to happen to the West Side Grill, Regina chose the oddest:

The oddest thing is that we have done every kind of advertising you can think of and yet almost daily for the last 4 years we have heard “we didn’t know you were here”.

What has been the biggest business challenge they have faced?

The upward battle to make it through the economy changes of 2012 especially the rising cost of food almost daily. It has not only been a challenge, but also a daily struggle.

And of course, we’re always curious to know what Cambro products help the West Side Grill work?

We use all size Cambro pans, full size, half size, 1/9 pans, 1/6 pans, 1/4 pans & 1/3 pans in 2,4 & 6 inches. They enable us to store all foods, keep foods cold or hot on our tables and put up some beautiful buffets.

Excellent! Thanks to Regina for sharing her story and we wish her continued success!

As the featured foodservice business of the week, Westside Grill will receive a storage container gift pack.

Link to the Westside Grill:

Website

Cambro Featured Business of the Week: The Capri

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Cambro Business of the Week: the CapriThis week’s Featured FoodService Business should be introduced by mentioning the most interesting thing to happen to the business: being featured on Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares.

It just so happens I do recall seeing that episode and even though it looked tough, it certainly appears that the brothers are making the business a success.

If you’re not familiar with The Capri, one of the owners, Jeff Thiel shares some insights with us.

The Capri has been a landmark of the Eagle Rock area (just north of LA) since 1963. Brothers Jeff and Jim Thiel purchased the local pizza establishment and the recipes that make the Capri sought out by area residents.

Cambro Business: the CapriWhat does Jeff love the most about The Capri:

“I love talking to the customers and getting to watch as their children grow up while eating at the Capri.”

What has been the biggest business challenge the brothers had to overcome (besides surviving Kitchen Nightmares):

“Learning how to be a good manager. Still learning.”

And of course when it comes to Cambro products that help The Capri?

“All products from Cambro help us.”

And hopefully will for many years.

As the featured foodservice business of the week, The Capri will receive a storage container gift pack.

Links for The Capri:

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Nominate your business to be a Cambro Featured Business of the Week – click here!